Hey there, I’m JP. I’m a single dad, proud uncle, devoted son, and veteran educator with over 14 years of experience in both traditional and virtual classrooms. These days, you’ll find me teaching from the best seat in the house: a lawn chair in the backyard, coffee in hand, my son nearby, and the world as our chalkboard.

After years in brick-and-mortar schools and the online education world, homeschooling just made sense for us. It gives my son the flexibility he needs and gives me the chance to bring history, faith, and learning to life whether we’re traveling, reading by the fire pit, or building something messy in the driveway.

The Backyard Classroom is my space to share the real, the honest, and the heart-filled parts of education and fatherhood. You’ll find lessons I’ve taught (and learned), homeschooling ideas, history with a twist, and reflections from a dad doing his best to raise a kind, curious kid in a world that moves too fast.